Recognizing Hashem's Control

In this week's Navi class, we continued to study Sefer Yirmiyahu. We began with an analysis of Perakim Bet-Zayin. Here is a brief overview of the main ideas stressed in the Perakim.

The major concepts in the Perakim are: Bnei Yisrael didn't recognize Hashem's control, and as a result, strayed away from Him. It is mentioned that the people worshipped Avodah Zarah, specifically Baal. However, the people thought they were doing the right thing, and thought their Teshuva was sincere! They continued to oppress the downtrodden, and maintained their corrupt society. Hashem declares that the punishment must come. Before, though, He remarks that He wants the people to return to him. Hashem didn't want the punishment to occur. The people didn't recognize this though, and expanded their evil even further.

We then progressed further into the Sefer, which incorporates many of the ideas emphasized in the previous Perakim. In Perek Chet, there is an "internal debate" concerning the punishment. The sins of the people remained the same. However, they are performed without the concept of Teshuva. In Perakim Tet-Yud, there is still a wish for proper behavior. However, the lack of morality was still prominent. There is a realization that the punishment must occur, though all Hashem wants is Tzedek U'Mishpat. The punishment is then depicted, although Hashem provides some comfort by proclaiming that the nations who punish Bnei Yisrael will ultimately be destroyed.

 Perek Yud Aleph begins with the Brit that the people were supposed to abide by. However, the Brit has been annulled, and the people are told to turn to their gods, to see if they will help them. The society was so corrupt, that the people wanted to harm Yirmiyahu because of their immense frustration with his messages. Hashem responds that a remnant will not remain of those who attempted to cause suffering to Yirmiyahu. The people didn't want to listen to Yirmiyahu, for if they accepted the truth and validity of Yirmiyahu's words, they would have to reflect on their own actions.

Chanukah is a time of realization that Hashem is in control. We celebrate the rededication of the Beit Hamikdash, the home of G-d. We recall the miracle of the victory of the Maccabim and the enduring light of the candles for eight days. We, as a nation, recognize Hashem's control, as demonstrated throughout the duration of the Chag.

There is a common phrase used to describe possessions: "You don't truly appreciate something until it is gone." The feeling when something is taken away from you is overwhelming. When the destruction occurred, many of the people wanted to so desperately to return to their homeland, Eretz Yisrael. However, the punishment had to occur, in order to appreciate and recognize Hashem's sovereignty.

This still occurs today, in our times. We are treated with so much love and care, and are exposed to so many opportunities that others can only dream of, that we never really take the time to sit back, and be thankful for what we have. Then, when something is forced from our grasps, we are unable to cope with ourselves.

Bnei Yisrael thought they had it easy. They thought that they were moral, and did everything good in the eyes of Hashem. The Beit Hamikdash was still standing, for the time being. The people didn't feel the need to improve their actions. Then, when the Beit Hamikdash, G-d's home, was destroyed, and the people were exiled, they didn't know how to deal with themselves.

Chanukah is the perfect opportunity to practice this. In Maoz Tzur, we sing through our history. Hashem has guided us always. We must learn to always keep Hashem's control in our minds, and hopefully, maintain a relationship with Him that will never be taken away.